When it comes to selling your ranch, first impressions are very important and hard for buyer’s to over. Just like staging a home, staging a ranch can make a significant difference in attracting buyers and securing a good deal. However, the approach to staging a ranch varies depending on the type of property. At Story Group Land & Ranches, we categorize ranches into four broad types: investment/development properties, hunting properties, ranching properties, and farms. Here’s how to stage each one so that it presents well to potential buyers:
Investment/Development Properties
Investment and development properties are all about the future potential they offer. While staging is less about aesthetics, there are critical steps you can take to make these properties more appealing:
Because the primary value is in the development potential, focus on showcasing the opportunities that the land presents. This might include proximity to infrastructure (almost all development projects need water), zoning benefits, or future growth areas. It is important to know if the property is inside of city limits, if it is in the extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of a city, or outside of city limits and ETJ.
Make it easy for potential buyers to visit and explore the property in a truck by building or improving the perimeter paths. If the path is grass, mow the path so that it is quiet driving around the property. Comfortable viewing conditions can leave a positive impression on commercial buyers.
Address any environmental or regulatory issues that could impede development. Environmental or regulatory issues make developers extremely nervous as these issues are both costly and time consuming.
Hunting Properties
Hunting properties require a different approach. Staging should emphasize the land’s appeal to hunters, tailored to the specific type of game prevalent in the area:
Understand the type of hunting most popular in the region. For dove hunting, consider planting sunflowers, mowing around stock ponds, and trimming trees around these ponds to create ideal hunting conditions. For deer hunting properties, ensure that stands and feeders are well-maintained and strategically placed.
Work with the natural landscape to enhance its attractiveness to wildlife. For example, you can create food plots that will attract game or you can open up an area to showcase the view.
Ranching Properties
For ranching properties, the focus is on demonstrating that the land is well-suited for livestock and that it is easy to manage:
Repair your perimeter fences and remove as many mesquite trees as you can, because they rapidly spread on cattle properties and are detrimental to pasture health. Applying herbicide and fertilizer will improve grass quality, making the property more attractive to buyers.
Remove items like hay twine or old wire from pastures and feeding areas, and ensure that water sources are clean and accessible. A well-maintained ranch signals to potential buyers that the property is ready for immediate use.
Farms
Staging a farm is more about timing and practicality than aesthetic appeal. Here’s how to make your farm stand out:
The timing of the sale is crucial. Buyers typically want to plant their own crops as soon as possible, so consider selling after the current crop is harvested to avoid delays.
If there are barns or covered areas for equipment, ensure these spaces are clean, organized, and free of clutter. This allows buyers to easily envision how they’ll use these areas for their operations.
By tailoring your staging strategy to the specific type of ranch, you can maximize your property’s appeal and attract the right buyers. At Story Group Land & Ranches, we’re here to help you every step of the way, ensuring that your property is presented in the best possible light to achieve a successful sale.
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